Al-Qaida deputy praises al-Zarqawi in new video
The Al-Jazeera satellite channel broadcast today excerpts of a video tape by deputy leader of al Qaida, Ayman al-Zawahri, in which he spoke about Palestinian and Egyptian politics and the situation in Darfur.
An Al-Jazeera presenter said that the tape was made before the announcement of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi’s death yesterday, because al-Zawahri praised al Qaida in Iraq leader’s efforts to confront US-led forces in Iraq.
“God bless the prophet of Islam in Iraq, the persistent hero of Islam, the Holy Warriors Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,” said al-Zawahri.
He also sent greetings to the Shura Council of Mujahedeen in Iraq and insurgents, “who are confronting crusaders and their apostate aids and the merchants of religion”.
Wearing a white turban and tunic al-Zawahri’s appeared against a black background. He repeatedly waved his right hand and pointed his finger in a gesture of admonishment.
Al-Zawahri also urged Muslims to reject a referendum in Palestine.
“I call on Muslims to reject any referendum on Palestine, because Palestine is a house of Islam and not subject to any compromise.”
“I call upon Muslim everywhere to support the brothers in Palestine,” he said mentioning armed Islamist militants, prisoners and their families.
Al-Zawahri, who has focussed on political issues before in his tapes also gave his opinions on the campaign by a group of Egyptian judges for the independence of the judiciary, and the situation in Darfur, west Sudan.
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